Dyip bring down Phoenix Fuels, bolster playoff chances

John Fields of Columbian Dyip battles his way against Eugene Phelps and Justin Chua of Phoenix Fuels as he goes for a drive during first half action in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. PBA Images

COLUMBIAN Dyip brought down Phoenix Fuels, 115-107, ending its three-game skid and rekindling its playoff bid in the PBA commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

John Fields, Glenn Khobuntin, Jerramy King, Rashawn McCarthy and Eric Camson provided the needed sparks for the Dyip who are, in the words of coach Ricky Dandan, ‘in a good position for the playoffs.’

The Dyip, whose last taste of victory came last May 9 when they upset Rain or Shine (104-96), have now revved up their chances with their fourth victory in nine outings.

The slate would even look better if the Dyip could also win their last two outings, but they need to do more than what they did against Fuel Masters.

It’s because the first of their last two games on June 20 happens to be against a Barangay Ginebra team that’s also fighting for life, before the Dyip wrap up their elimination round stint with a game against Globalport on June 22.

For now, the Dyip could enjoy the big win which ended their three-game slump capped by a 129-117 loss to San Miguel Beer last June 6.

“This is really big for us because it puts us in a good position for the playoffs,” said Dandan, visibly impressed with the way the Dyip managed their game on both ends.

“Of course there were times that we were down, but we just stuck to being positive. We looked at all of the positives as much as we could. There were positives against San Miguel,” added Dandan.

“We also talked about our locals needing to contribute more not just offensively but defensively as well,” stressed Dandan.

Fields scored 29 points and pulled down 26 rebounds in a yeoman job well complemented by the locals.

Khobuntin added 18, King and McCarthy 15 points each while Camson tallied 13 points as the Dyip sent the Fuel Masters reeling to their fifth loss in eight games.

Camson actually started the Dyip’s push in the period where he banged in six consecutive points to open the quarter before Khobuntin and King sustained the heat.

Eugene Phelps finished with 34 points and 23 rebounds while Matthew Wright added 32 points, but their baskets did not come when needed most as the Fuel Masters absorbed their third straight loss.

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